World 8 sources · today Latest coverage 23 Sept 2026, 5:34 pm UTC

Indian Sailor Killed as MV Cape Dao Attacked Near Oman with Torpedoes

A deadly attack on the MV Cape Dao near Oman has left one Indian sailor dead, raising new concerns about maritime safety in the region.

By Ravi Menon · First published 23 Sept 2026

In brief

  1. The MV Cape Dao cargo ship was struck by two torpedoes while sailing near Oman in the Gulf of Oman.
  2. One Indian sailor was killed in the attack and at least nineteen crew members were rescued from the vessel.
  3. There were 28 crew members on board, including 20 Indian nationals, according to reports from the scene.
  4. The Indian government and embassy in Oman have confirmed the death and are monitoring the situation closely.
  5. It remains unclear who was responsible for the attack, and authorities are still assessing the safety of the remaining crew.
Indian Sailor Killed as MV Cape Dao Attacked Near Oman with Torpedoes
Source: India Today

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How it started

The MV Cape Dao, a commercial cargo vessel, was transiting through the Gulf of Oman when it came under attack. The ship was reportedly en route to India with a multinational crew, a significant portion of whom were Indian nationals. Tensions in the region have made maritime routes increasingly risky, especially for commercial shipping.

Early reports from authorities in Oman and India described an assault on the vessel involving torpedoes. The attack happened as the ship was moving through waters that have seen previous security incidents.

How it unfolded

On September 23, 2026, the MV Cape Dao was attacked off the coast of Oman. According to reports, two torpedoes struck the ship's port side, damaging the accommodation area on C-deck and the hull near the engine room. The explosion caused immediate casualties among the crew.

Indian and Omani authorities quickly responded, and the Indian Embassy in Oman confirmed the death of one Indian sailor. Rescue operations were launched, resulting in the evacuation of at least nineteen crew members from the stricken vessel.

The ship had a total of 28 crew members on board, with 20 of them being Indian nationals. Indian officials, including the Ministry of External Affairs, publicly condemned the attack and expressed concern for the ongoing safety of commercial shipping in the area.

It was not immediately clear who carried out the attack. The vessel was reportedly heading towards India at the time, and investigations into the incident began as authorities worked to secure the safety of the remaining crew.

Where it stands

As of now, the Indian government and its embassy in Oman are involved in assessing the situation and assisting the affected crew. The identity of the attackers remains unknown, and authorities are still investigating the circumstances of the assault.

Rescue efforts have accounted for most of the crew, but the incident has heightened worries about the safety of maritime routes in the region. The Indian government has called for increased vigilance and international cooperation to prevent further attacks.

What to watch

Authorities are likely to continue their investigation into who was behind the attack and how it was carried out. The safety of the remaining crew and the condition of the MV Cape Dao will also be closely monitored in the coming days.

Written from 8 outlets' coverage of this story. Every timeline entry links to the original report.

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